69 / 70 front tires? Front mudguard rivets

N0rt0nelectr@ · Sep 13, 2015

I am working on my 70 Roadster and will eventually be needing tires. I like the AM 26 Avons that I have on my 74 850. The clearance on the front tires to the fender on the early Commandos seems to be less than on the later ones with stainless steel fenders, what size and brand of tires do those of you who have the early models run?
Next question. I just had the front fender re-chromed and had to remove the bridge to get that done. I have new rivets I got from RGM for the bridge. What is the best way to rivet the bridge back on? I'm sure there is a tool or tools I can use to do a proper job.

Thanks for any help you can give me on these questions.

John Ebert
Texas

CanukNortonNut · Sep 13, 2015

John,
I believe you can use a 90/90 19" AM-26 for the front fender that you describe. I have heard from others that the 100/90 may have clearance issues. You can try your 850 front wheel on you 69 as a test.
Regarding the rivets: You can shape a aluminum rod large enough to cover the head diameter into a cup shape that profiles the dome of the head. On the other end I use a air pneumatic hammer. That is, if these are the solid rivets. You can use a hammer if you are careful and don't miss. :shock:
Cheers,
Thomas
CNN

N0rt0nelectr@ · Sep 13, 2015

Thomas,
Thank you for the information. I will check out the 90/90 AM 26's and build myself a tool for the rivets.

John Ebert
Texas

DogT · Sep 14, 2015

I found a 310-19 Ribbed Avon SpeedmasterII at Walridge, but that was 10 years ago and you may want something more modern. As far as the rivets, I used #10 button head SS with nuts and washers for the bridge.

N0rt0nelectr@ · Sep 21, 2015

DogT said:
I found a 310-19 Ribbed Avon SpeedmasterII at Walridge, but that was 10 years ago and you may want something more modern. As far as the rivets, I used #10 button head SS with nuts and washers for the bridge.

Not a big fan of ribbed tires due to rain grooves. Things can get exciting when they start to track the grooves. I have used the button head screws on my 66 N15 but doing a correct "restoration" needs the correct rivets.

Thanks to all who have replied with info and suggestions.

John Ebert
Texas

jimbo · Sep 21, 2015

N0rt0nelectr@ said:
I am working on my 70 Roadster and will eventually be needing tires. I like the AM 26 Avons that I have on my 74 850. The clearance on the front tires to the fender on the early Commandos seems to be less than on the later ones with stainless steel fenders, what size and brand of tires do those of you who have the early models run?
Next question. I just had the front fender re-chromed and had to remove the bridge to get that done. I have new rivets I got from RGM for the bridge. What is the best way to rivet the bridge back on? I'm sure there is a tool or tools I can use to do a proper job.

Thanks for any help you can give me on these questions.

John Ebert
Texas

I have rivets and the tools to set them.

69 / 70 front tires? Front mudguard rivets

Rusty bucket · Sep 21, 2015

You can make a river set or use a ball pen hammer. Look up river set and you should be able to get the idea. I made one with some steel stock and drill press and then finished off several "setting dies" with a couple different sized die grinder stones to finish them to size and surface. It's amazing what you can do with a small ball pen or tin hammer if you take your time.

JimNH · Sep 22, 2015

It looks like a regular AN 470 aircraft rivet head. There are hundreds of rivet sets on Ebay. If you know an aircraft mechanic, especially a sheet metal guy, he'll have it. Alternately if there's a small airport nearby you could visit their shop or Jimbo appears ready to help.

Onder · Sep 22, 2015

If you are shooting the rivets be careful as the guard metal is thin and you can dimple it
easily.
Walridge used to offer the rivets I think AN rivets have a slightly smaller head. If you are
Mr Original you will notice this.

N0rt0nelectr@ · Sep 28, 2015

I am not totally anal about the rivets but I do want them to look right.
I am using stove bolts to keep all the holes in the right place and doing one at a time.
Again, thanks for your insight and suggestions

John Ebert
Texas

69 / 70 front tires? Front mudguard rivets

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